It can be an overwhelming task to start a concrete project. It’s a quite straightforward process. However, you might not be familiar with it. Because of this, we’re here to help you understand concrete driveway installation to make your project successful.
Today, we’re going to share with you several things you should expect whenever you are planning to install a new concrete driveway for your home.
There are several things you should do before you hire a concrete contractor. Here are some of them:
Scheduling and Planning
A concrete driveway will usually take a couple of days. You will also require more time for curing. The actual time you will need to finish your concrete driveway will differ on the project’s scope. Once the concrete contractor pours the concrete, you’ll have to stay away from the driveway for several days for proper curing. A professional concrete contractor will work with you to create a pour date that suits your needs.
Getting Rid of the Old Driveway
If you’ve got an existing driveway, you will have to get rid of it first. After the contractor establishes the project start date, getting rid of the old driveway is the first step. A professional contractor will break the existing driveway into pieces using manual labor, jackhammers, and skid steer. Then, they’ll load up the broken pieces into dump trucks for hauling to a recycling center.
Getting Ready for the Subgrade
If you want your concrete to last for a longer period, then it’s vital that you consider the subgrade under it. Subgrades are usually made of aggregate materials. It should be thick enough to support the driveway and compacted properly to offer a solid foundation that properly supports the pavement.
The existing foundation might be enough since concrete is durable. If this is the case, the contractor will grade and compact the existing foundation carefully. If that isn’t the case, they will place new aggregate and compact it after getting rid of the poor or contaminated materials. Compacting and grading of the subgrade also takes into consideration proper drainage of the new driveway.
Putting Forms
The contractor will place forms around the driveway’s edges. Then, they will install a grid reinforcing steel made to offer tensile strength to the paving. Final measurements will be considered properly to calculate the amount of concrete required to finish the driveway.
Concrete Leveling and Pouring
On the date arranged for pouring, the contractor will order concrete for delivery. The concrete mix is made for durability. It will include additives to improve the mix.
The concrete is poured into the forms. A contractor will use different methods of pouring. This depends on your particular driveway.
Concrete Finishing
Concrete starts to set extremely fast. Thus, the finishing job takes place right away. The contractor will smooth out the surface using a combination of hand and power tools. To guarantee the strength of the driveway, they will carefully trowel the edges and control joints of the driveway. Lastly, they will utilize brooms to roughen the surface.
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